Lynker is hiring a Biological Technician to support Aquaculture Studies in the Atlantic Region supporting the National Marine Fisheries Service mission in Highlands, NJ at the Sandy Hook Lab.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), Ecosystems and Aquaculture Division (EAD) supports research themes including ecosystem processes and environmental conditions for production of harvestable algae, invertebrates and vertebrates; the processes linking spatial and temporal patterns in climate with regional and local responses of species and their habitats; and the positive and negative influences of human activities on ecosystem function and services. The production of captive finfish for human consumption is one means of lessening the take of wild fisheries while maintaining or increasing the amount of fish protein available to US consumers.
Collection of adult species for experimentation requires familiarity with fishing techniques (recreational and commercial) and husbandry of those species in a controlled environment laboratory. Specimens could be held for months and require daily care. Seawater systems both flow through and recirculating require hands-on skill in maintenance and repair and a rigorous maintenance schedule. Computer monitoring of the systems requires skill in computers. Our experimental, hypothesis-testing approach requires the addition of skilled, conscientious Contractors familiar with the protocols and best practices of the captive culture of fishes.
The task includes the following:
- Assists in the planning of and preparations for lab-based aquaculture studies.
- Familiar with components of recirculating aquaculture systems and aquarium life support systems e.g. pumps, plumbing, filtration, biofilters, chillers, heaters, foam fractionators, protein skimmers, radial separators, drum filters, fluidized biobeds.
- Understands the principles of aquarium life support systems as applied to flow-through and recirculating aquaculture systems.
- Experience with fabricating PVC plumbing systems and use of power tools
- Systematically monitors and maintains flow-through and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) with requisite sampling of water and other system parameters.
- Familiar with water quality (temperature, dissolved oxygen) chemistry monitoring and testing of captive fish populations.
- Troubleshoots to identify and remedy the causes of variation in culture conditions.
- Identifies supply needs, sources, and costs; communicates via list with attributes to Team Leader/Technical Representative
- Has prior experience with fish husbandry, monitoring, care, feeding and nutrition.
- Familiarity with traditional fish tagging techniques (tbar, anchor, elastomer, pit etc.) j. Maintains the necessary cultures of live feeds and prepares frozen and dry feeds for finfish maintained prior to, during, and after experiments.
- Collects or acquires adult fish (broodstock to be used as spawners) or propagules (eggs, larvae, etc.) for source of experimental material in aquaculture studies.
- Work on a boat as needed to collect fish.
- Feeds experimental fish and collects or monitors intake and / or waste as dictated by the experimental design.
- Collects, samples, stores, processes (measures, weights etc.), and/or ships fish as study subjects before, during, and after experiments for assays, deployment to grow-out sites, and/or markets.
- Ability to enter, organize, summarize, and document data collection; to perform basic statistical analysis using microsoft software on collected data, deduce results, and communicate research findings.
- Skilled in organizing, tracking, and documenting research activities; support tasks (supply needs and expenditures); and assisting NOAA personnel in a multi-tasking environment.
- Collects and processes image, video, and/or body component samples related to these studies.
- Runs physiological and bioenergetics assays of test subjects.
- Calculates growth, conversion, and assimilation efficiencies of test subjects.
- Maintains current inventory of all samples (biological, electronic, images, data, etc.) collected during and after experimentation.
- Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for all system, biological, chemistry, animal welfare, and hygienic methods used in support and operation of studies.
- Completes applicable permitting applications for acquisition, transport, holding, and disposition of finfish used in studies.
- Provides direction on tasks to less-experienced Team members.
- Reports to the Team Leader / Technical Representative.
- Attends Team and higher level meetings as requested.
- Communicates with internal and external collaborators regarding methods, samples, and data.
- Creates, maintains, and grows collaborator networks in support of research studies.
- Capable and willing to do physical work in indoor/outdoor spaces or semi enclosed spaces and possible on a sea-going vessel.
- Drives government vehicles (requires valid driver’s license).
- Capable of lifting 50 pounds
- Works irregular hours, shift work, and on weekends if experiments require.
- Follows safety protocols, participates in training, and satisfies requirements of access to and use of federal property.
Requirements
- M.Sc. in Biology, Marine Science or related fields or B.Sc. plus 2 or more years of working experience directly related to tasks outlined herein.
- Experience in design of experiments with live aquatic animals.
- Experience in statistical analysis of multivariate data.
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, Hub-zone certified small business specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers’ scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries and benefits, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions.
Lynker is an E-Verify employer. Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.
